- Newcastle United star pitiful against Fulham
- Were Magpies right to reject £20 million bid in January?
- Eddie Howe on plans for Joe Willock
Newcastle United finished an underwhelming Premier League season with a trademark apathetic performance in the 2-0 defeat to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
If there was a moment that summed up the meeting at Craven Cottage, and the season as a whole, it came as Marco Silva’s side took the lead on the banks of the Thames.
Fulham opened the scoring when Issa Diop was quickest to react to a brilliant Kevin free-kick, which dropped into the penalty box off the crossbar.
Joe Willock ‘pathetic’ free kick block frustrates
The Magpies were caught ball-watching as the Fulham defender, who is not known for his pace, was granted far too much space to nod home.
Fingers can be pointed at several Newcastle players for that error, including club captain Bruno Guimaraes who lost his man, but it was a clip of Joe Willock that infuriated fans online.
The 26-year-old dangled a leg to try and block the initial free kick in what can only be described as a pathetic attempt to get in the way of the ball. Willock was then planted to the ground as he nonchalantly watched Fulham take the lead.
While Willock cannot be held accountable for the goal, supporters have every right to be frustrated at the midfielder’s body language. In what was one final chance for Newcastle United to give something back this season, players looked to already be on the beach.
Newcastle United star open to London return
It comes in a week which saw reports that the player linked with a summer exit. The Shields Gazette reported that the former Arsenal player would be tempted by the chance to return to London – and, if there isn’t more to come from Willock next season, Newcastle may as well leave him in the capital today.
In January, talkSPORT reported that Newcastle rejected a £20 million bid for the player from Fulham. Around that time, Howe said: “I’m very pleased Joe is here and playing as he is. The last two games I think he’s been really good. It’s a return to his best form and I think he’s a very, very good player.
“I never thought about losing Joe [in transfer window]. He’s too important. Every player we possess that is fit is really valued by us.”
However, if today’s performance is anything to go by, that £20 million offer is a respectable fee for Willock. Newcastle need to sell before buying this summer and cashing in on players who appear to lack the mettle for the needed bounce back next term should be top of the list.
In other news, Newcastle United have found their Sandro Tonali replacement.
